Project Overview

Designed by Urbahn Architects in collaboration with Alfandre Architecture, with a team of engineers and consultants.

The Ulster County Emergency Communication Center is a first-of-its-kind project for the region — a highly secure, resilient, and net-zero-energy-ready facility designed to safeguard community safety for decades to come. At 16,600 square feet, the center combines advanced architecture with sustainable engineering to ensure continuous operation during emergencies while minimizing its environmental impact.

This facility will serve three critical roles: housing the county’s 911 call center, functioning as the government operations center during major emergencies, and protecting the county’s primary IT servers. Its design reflects a balance between durability, energy efficiency, and public service — making it both a lifeline for the community and a model for next-generation civic infrastructure.

Purpose of the Facility

Interior Rendering of Communications Center — Interior of the Communications Center

911 Call Center (Public Safety Answering Point – PSAP): The hub for emergency response communications
Government Operations Center: Command base for coordinating regional emergencies
IT Infrastructure Hub: Secure home of the County’s primary servers and critical technology

Resilient, High-Performance Design

Top view of Ulster County Communications Center with solar panels. — Aerial view of the communication center showcasing solar panels on the roof.

The Emergency Communication Center is engineered for strength, redundancy, and efficiency. Key design features include:

Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) Walls – Super-insulated, storm- and earthquake-resilient, with ballistic protection
Steel-Framed, Super-Insulated Roof – Built for exceptional durability and energy efficiency
Geothermal Heating and Cooling (GSHP) – A ground-source system delivering renewable, year-round comfort
Advanced Energy Recovery Ventilation – Providing healthy indoor air while cutting energy use
Redundant Critical Systems – Backed-up communications and electrical systems for uninterrupted service
Fossil Fuel-Free Operation – Fully electric, except for a secure backup generator in a ballistic-rated enclosure

Collaboration & Community Commitment

This project represents a landmark partnership and long-term investment in public safety. On April 15, 2025 — after more than 2 ½ years of planning — the Ulster County Legislature passed resolutions to fund the facility.

The Emergency Communication Center is being delivered through a collaboration of Ulster County, Urbahn Architects (lead architect), Alfandre Architecture (consulting architect), The Palombo Group (construction manager), and a talented team of engineers and consultants.

The chosen site, located just east of the Thruway exit ramp in New Paltz, NY, provides strategic accessibility for emergency personnel and ensures the center can effectively serve the entire county.

Groundbreaking Ceremony

Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger, alongside elected officials, emergency personnel, and the project team of Urbahn Architects, Alfandre Architecture, The Palombo Group, and contractors, celebrated the groundbreaking of the Emergency Communications Center.